Pedersen to receive Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal

EFN Staff | April 28, 2020

Saskatoon – During National Volunteers Week, Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty announced the 2019 recipients of the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal. Local business person and part-time Eagle Feather News contributor Joel Pedersen is among the many people being honoured for their outstanding contributions to community.

“The Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal recognizes the extraordinary citizens that support our communities and our province,” Mirasty said. “This year’s recipients are leaders and mentors in their communities and are truly making a difference. I congratulate the 2019 recipients, who are most worthy, to be counted among those who have received this prestigious provincial honour over the past 25 years.”

Pedersen is retired from the military and the Saskatoon Police Service and now runs Fitness 2J2, a socially responsible community-based health and wellness company that delivers health programs throughout the province, often working with First Nation and Métis communities.

“I’m really grateful to be included with some incredible people from our province. I am honoured to share this with my family, and friends who inspire me to do more,” said Pedersen. “We can all do so much more than we think we can. We just need to be willing, because if I can give one person a chance at living a healthy & positive lifestyle then it’s all worth it.”

2020 marks the 25th anniversary of the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal, which was established in 1995 to recognize the extraordinary work done by volunteers across the province. Since its establishment, the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal has been awarded to 217 deserving individuals.

Saskatchewan is known for its rich history of people going above and beyond in the efforts to help fellow citizens. Saskatchewan is home to many volunteers with many community-based organizations. Statistics Canada’s latest report on volunteering ranked Saskatchewan as having the highest rate of volunteers in the country.

A ceremony to honour the recipients will take place when public gatherings resume, as this provincial honour celebrates its 25th anniversary.